The alpaca is an herbivore mammal that belongs to the camelid family (camelidae). Even if its history of evolution begins some 45 million years ago, it is only in the most recent 2 million years that the four species of Southamerican camelids have evolved as we know them. There are two domestic species, the llama and the alpaca, while the other two, the guanaco and the vicuna, are wild. They live naturally in semi-arid climates between 4000 and 4500 meters (10,000 -12000 feet) above sea level, and in temperatures that range between 23 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Farenheight) and cold well below freezing.   

There are two principal breeds of alpaca: Huacayo and Suri. The Huacayo is the most common in Peru. It has short, spongy, dense wool that covers almost all of his body, leaving only his face and feet visible. The Suri has long, thin, silky and very shiny wool.

In the highlands of Peru, raising alpacas is one of the principal economic activities and in many cases is one of the only forms of subsistence available to the country communities.

The alpaca wool is clasified as one of the finest in the world, the width of the individual fiber is measured between 18 and 22 microns.

What is Baby Alpaca?
Alpaca products are generally labeled as either 100% Alpaca or Baby Alpaca. Baby alpaca, also known as Alpaca Plus, is finer wool that is shorn from younger animals, usually from the first two years of the animal´s life. The wool is softer and more expensive. After that the animal continues to produce more mature wool, which is used in 100%alpaca products.

What is the proper care for an alpaca garment?
We always recommend dry cleaning to best preserve an alpaca garment, but hand washing is also an option, using warm water and a soft detergent specialized for wool. Never use a dryer. Always dry a sweater flat, to avoid stretching, and store knitted alpaca garments flat (folded in a drawer), not on a hanger.  Alpaca may be ironed on a wool setting. Basic care is the same as that of wool.